17th Sep 2006, 15:44

I've driven the Cobalt, Focus, Corolla, Hyundai Accent, Dodge Caliber and Pontiac G-5 (same car as the Cobalt). I haven't bought yet, but will most likely buy the Pontiac G-5.

GM build quality is world class and they are thousands cheaper than the Corolla. In addition, the Corolla is, apparently, designed as basic transportation for elderly people who don't care about styling. It is only offered in a 4-door, only comes in very bland colors (no red, just an ugly burgundy) and it is slower than ANY of the other cars I drove. My second choice would be the very smooth and well-built Hyundai Accent, which surprised the heck out if me. It was faster than the Corolla and Caliber and was as smooth as silk. It also cost 7 grand less than the Corolla and 3 grand less than the Cobalt and G-5.

5th Dec 2006, 17:15

I'm aware of no less than three people who have had major engine failures in Toyota Corollas in less than 60,000 miles, and the ONLY car that ever left my wife stranded in traffic with a breakdown was a Toyota Tercel with less than 30,000 miles on it. I've never heard of a Cavalier having to have an engine replaced before 60,000 miles, and the Cobalt should be even more reliable than the Cavalier. I've test driven the Cobalt and I'm very impressed with it. We currently own two GM vehicles, one 6 years old and one 4 years old. Neither has ever seen the inside of a service department except for oil changes. Where the idea comes from that GM cars are so unreliable is beyond me. I don't even know anyone who has ever had trouble with one.

6th Dec 2006, 15:44

Both my wife and I like the little Chevy Cobalt. I think this vehicle can compete with any other make in it's class. It offers good value, reasonable performance and reliability.

It is comfortable to drive and economical to operate.

We are thinking of buying a new vehicle and have taken the Cobalt on a test drive. It doesn't seem as solid as a Corolla or Civic, but it's a lot less money and besides, any mechanic can fix it.

My present car is a ten year old Hyundai Elantra which served us reasonably well. It is however very expensive to maintain when compared to other makes. IE: Timing belt replacement etc.

Personally, I don't think the prices of the Japanese makes are justified. I like the Corolla, but I just can't see paying three thousand more for basically the same features and performance. I suppose time will tell.

13th Jan 2010, 08:58

It's silver in color, if you look closely the bumper is different color compared to rest of the car?

You can hear the gas moving inside gas tank right after you shut off the engine. Don't trust the gas gauge because the reading is inconsistent?

Severe torque steer if I floor the gas pedal?

Are you kidding me? Don't get me wrong, I really don't trust GM at all, but to complain about a rental for such trivial things.... Here's your solution. Get over the color of the bumper, fill the tank and the sounds should go away, and don't floor the gas.

9th Aug 2015, 04:56

****** As of August 2015 I'm still driving a 2005 Chevy Cobalt base model with 184,000 miles on it. New shocks and battery, and brakes, tires and oil changes - NOTHING ELSE DONE. If I can maintain under 2,000 RPM for a few miles, I can get 42 MPG and average 30 in the city, and it's been in the garage mostly, so it's 90% original. Doorhandles are fine, no rattles or squeaks. All I can tell you, is this is MY experience, and it has been a strong car.